In “A Wall Is Just a Wall”, Reiko Hillyer examines the decline of practices that allowed incarcerated individuals to transcend prison boundaries. By tracking the “thickening” of prison walls, Hillyer historicizes changing ideas of risk and the growing bipartisan acceptance of permanent exile. This insightful book sheds light on the origins and decline of practices like gubernatorial clemency, furlough, and conjugal visits, revealing the complexities of prison reform in the 20th-century United States. Through a nuanced analysis, Hillyer reveals the human stories behind the changing policies and their impact on the lives of those behind bars. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the history of the American prison system and the ongoing quest for reform.

In this thought-provoking historical analysis, Reiko Hillyer examines the evolution of prison policies in the United States over the 20th century. Focusing on the decline of practices like furloughs and conjugal visits, Hillyer sheds light on the ways in which prison walls became increasingly impermeable, effectively cutting off prisoners from the outside world. By tracing the shift from a more flexible approach to incarceration to one of greater control and isolation, Hillyer reveals the complex interplay between politics, public opinion, and the exercise of power in shaping the modern prison system. Through a nuanced exploration of gubernatorial clemency, furloughs, and conjugal visits, this book offers a compelling case study of the changing dynamics of punishment and rehabilitation in the US. Hillyer’s work challenges readers to consider the human impact of these changes and the consequences for those on the inside and outside of prison walls.